Oliver Cromwell's Rise To Power

The steps in which Oliver Cromwell rose to power are quite different and unique. Upon arrival of the English Civil War, Cromwell was an inexperienced and unproven soldier. Cromwell quickly gained military abilities and became a powerful military commander who led more than ten-thousand troops, all in just eight years . From military to politics, Cromwell was named Lord Protector in 1653 until his death in 1658 . As the head of England, Cromwell changed the constitution and the structure of the government. By his death, Cromwell was an experienced soldier and politician and many of his accomplishments fall under these two categories. Oliver Cromwell’s main heroic actions which structured and shaped England were the battle of Marston Moor, the

The main battle that occurred in Ireland was that of Drogheda. Drogheda has been known as a controversial event and creates many debates about the intention of Cromwell . Cromwell’s routine while in Ireland was to border a fortress and either attack it or allow freedom to those who surrendered . The same concept applied to Drogheda, however, the Irish under Sir Arthur Aston did not surrender and attempted to fight the parliamentary forces. A number of experts on the subject believe that Cromwell was right to attack and kill the enemy because they would not surrender . Cromwell’s next campaign took place in Scotland because of the danger that Scotland possessed . The most significant battle that Cromwell fought in while in Scotland was that of Dunbar. The tactic deployed by Cromwell was to engage in the right wing of the Scots militia . By attacking the wing first, it opened up the heart of the Scots, who were in dismay . Cromwell was heavily outnumbered, which required his troops to fight sections of the Scottish army, rather than fight one large battle . The leadership and bravery that Cromwell exemplified during the battle was incredible, and it was one of the few times a much smaller force defeated a force of such great size . The campaigns in both Ireland and Scotland helped Cromwell gain greater status, which aided in his path to Lord

Cromwell was named Lord Protector for life under the Instrument of Government . The Instrument of government prevented a solely run government and required collaboration between branches . The government was structured in three different branches which included the Council, Parliament and Lord Protector. Cromwell alongside one of the two other branches could make vast and large decisions, which represented the idea of a republic . Cromwell created the Liberty of Conscience, whereby people had freedom of their religion and or thought . He also provided in gaining land and regions for Britain through the foreign policy . The land that was attained provided for possible colonization’s and opened up many new doors for Britain . Cromwell also connected Britain with Ireland and Scotland, therefore adding an increased chance of merging in a political and social sense later in the future . Not only was Cromwell’s legacy important but his character was as well. Cromwell had a genuine love for his citizens and constantly tried to advance civilization in a positive way